Peace conference to highlight speakers on poverty issues

The fourth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, “Poverty, Abundance, and Peace: Seeking Economic Justice for All God’s Children” through Nov. 15 will delve into the systemic causes of poverty and economic disparity.

Speakers include Sen. George McGovern (a former presidential candidate who ran against incumbent Richard Nixon in 1972); David Beckmann, executive director of Bread for the World; Bishop Nkula Ntambo of the Katanga Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Michael Ayuen de Kuany, one of the “Lost Boys of the Sudan.”

Each brings a long history of involvement in issues related to peace, poverty and hunger.

“They will help us explore ways to be more effective in our witness and involvement in seeking peace and justice for all,” said Garland Young, chair of the Peace Conference.

There will also be an interfaith panel featuring Jewish, Muslim and Christian scholars on the topic, “Our Sacred Texts Speak to Us in Regard to Peace, Justice and Economics.”